HIV Killer Johnson Aziga Apologizes To Victims

(CP) -- The man believed to be the first person in Canada convicted of murder through HIV transmission has apologized to his many victims, saying in Hamilton, Ont., he sincerely regrets not disclosing his status to his sexual partners.

Johnson Aziga, 54, was found guilty in April 2009 of two counts of first-degree murder, 10 counts of aggravated sexual assault and one count of attempted aggravated sexual assault.

Aziga's convictions are related to 11 women with whom he had unprotected sex and did not tell them he had the virus that causes AIDS -- seven of the women became infected, with two dying of AIDS-related cancers.

On the stand Wednesday, Aziga read a letter of apology and explanation for his actions, saying he used condoms only when partners asked him to and that he wishes he had told them he was HIV positive.

Aziga said the day in 1996 that he found out he had HIV he felt like he "had been shot in the head, heart and soul."

The Crown wants Aziga declared a dangerous offender, which could see Aziga jailed indefinitely.